Kia ora everyone,
As I type this update, the final minutes of November are ticking by, bringing us into December. There are some 744 hours remaining of 2019 and I, for one, can’t wait to see the end of this year.
The last four weeks have been busy ones and, as the month is ending, I thought it was a good time to share an update as to what has been keeping me busy.
But first...
I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted to say in this update but have procrastinated. It’s a strange situation to have spent four years completing a degree in communication and the past six years employed in a role where communication was so important, only to find myself struggling to put together this message.
Gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”.
Gratitude has been an important component of who I am as an adult. Having spent my childhood and teenage years not always being grateful for the kindness and support I received and opportunities that were given to me, I realised in my early adulthood that it was not a trait I wanted to continue to exhibit.
In my most recent career, I made a conscious effort to always convey my gratitude to co-workers, suppliers, and clients where appropriate. Sometimes, this was easy. Other times, less so.
But the struggle I currently face is just exactly how to convey my gratitude and thanks to you, the person reading this. In four weeks, the eleven of you have donated over $500.00 to support me during one of the most difficult times of my life. Just taking a moment to appreciate this fact floods me with emotion.
And I think the reason I struggle with this is that the words simply don’t exist to convey how grateful I am. It means so much to me that you decided to support me during my current struggles. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or random kind-hearted stranger - no matter how much you’ve donated, I am, and always will be, grateful for your support - your kindness will always hold a special place in my heart.
And while I could probably drag this on over another couple of paragraphs, I will simply say with absolute sincerity: thank you so very, very much. Please do not underestimate how your contribution helps and how much I appreciate it.
Since October 28th, when I launched my page, I’ve applied for 39 different jobs - mostly in administrative areas in sectors ranging from healthcare to education, automotive(!) to insurance, government to retail. While these applications have seen a relatively steady stream of rejection emails, I am pleased to say that I’ve been invited to attend an interview (only my third since completing my degree at the end of 2012) on Monday, December 2nd.
When I posted a link to my GiveALittle on Facebook, a former tutor Wintec (where I completed my degree) reached out and offered me the chance to complete some casual administrative work. The work has included data entry and management, graphic design, and an interesting research project. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this work and getting to catch up with my former tutors. I recently learned that Wintec’s advertising a full-time position as an Academic Administrator in this area of the institution (Media Arts). Since August, I’ve applied for over 84 jobs and none has me more excited and hopeful that I am successful. Admittedly, I haven’t had any luck with Wintec as a prospective employer so far (and I’ve applied for seven jobs with them) but I’m hoping my current casual position and a positive reference from my tutor, will help. I’ll aim to keep you updated as to how the applications go.
I also recently launched “PSYME” (http://psymenz.wordpress.com/) a website where I’m selling A4 prints (framed, unframed, and digital) featuring a range of different maxims, quotes, and motivators, as well as an experimental EP - a creative exercise in processing the complex emotions resulting from being made redundant. There are currently over 70 prints across 13 different collections. The decision to start PSYME was two-fold. First, as a way of increasing my income while I look for permanent employment. Secondly, it was intended to show that, while I look for permanent employment, I’m not just sitting on my couch, twiddling my thumbs - I’m willing to work for it. Please feel free to check out the collections and prints at https://psymenz.wordpress.com/visual/. If there are any that you’d like to purchase, please use the code “GALD-2019-11” on the orders page (https://psymenz.wordpress.com/visual/orders/) to receive a framed or unframed print at cost (materials + shipping) as my way of saying thanks for being a GiveALittle donor!
Last week, I was able to sell my PS4 on Facebook’s Marketplace which, while sad, brought me a lot of comfort in the knowledge that it makes me more financially secure. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s only a thing and it can be replaced when I get a new job (and get some debt paid off).
In terms of health, there have been some positive and negative developments.
A follow-up appointment with the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) Clinic revealed that my sinuses are healing well, despite some persistent (minor) bleeding. In the meantime, I’ve been given some nasal spray and will go in for another appointment in January to see how it all looks.
I also had an appointment which revealed that, internally, things are looking pretty good. There is some concern regarding the site where I had surgery and I may need to go in for follow-up surgery in 2020 - this will be determined at an appointment next year. Fortunately, this isn’t a “life-and-death” surgery situation (like it was earlier in the year) and the surgery is primarily to improve my quality of life.
I’ve also been making an effort to go for a walk in the evening after the sun has set (and if it’s not raining). Thanks to your donations, I was able to buy a cheap pair of walking shoes, which are a lot more comfortable and supportive than the black leather dress shoes I had been wearing! This week, with one more walk to go, I’m hoping to crack 30kms!
Before I go, just as something personal, I thought I’d share some music that I’ve been listening to recently during my walks my day-to-day activities. The artists I’ve had on repeat this month are:
• Ashnikko (hip-hop, electro-pop, rap)
• Billie Eilish (alternative pop, electropop, indie pop)
• Brooke Candy (dirty rap, electropop, pop-punk, pop-rap)
• Courtney Barnett (alternative rock, indie rock, psychedelic rock)
• Jesse Saint John (pop)
• Lil Peep (alternative rock, emo rap,hip-hop, pop-punk, punk-rap, rap-rock)
• Lorde (art-pop, dream-pop, electro-pop, indie pop)
• Openside (emo-pop)
• Post Malone (hip-hop, pop, rock, R&B, trap)
That’s all for this update. Thanks again for your support - if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Nga mihi,
--
Simon Hinchco
